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Ernest T. Oldani

Ernest T. Oldani, 72, of Ridgway, died Monday, Aug. 22, 2011 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born April 17, 1939 in Coal Hollow, son of the late Tanny and Bruna Pelleschi Oldani. He married Marion A. Mendat, who survives.He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a 1957 graduate of Ridgway Area High School. He was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church, Ridgway Elks and Kersey Eagles. He was employed for 42 years at Powder Metal Products, Inc. in St. Marys as a machinist/foreman.He also enjoyed working with his friends at Court Service and Barnett's Auto Service in Ridgway for many years. He was a "car guy," with early beginnings at short dirt track racing in the late 1950s and discovering NASCAR races with his friends and family, having attended more than 300 in his lifetime. He did more than witness NASCAR; he lived it. He was the proud owner of a Classic 1980 Monte Carlo and for the past 25 years he and his wife have been active members of the National Monte Carlo Owners Association. Through the club, he attended shows all over the country and won dozens of first class, gold class and best in shows. He consistently dominated the field of any show he attended, bringing home over 320 first-place awards. He also enjoyed Penn State football, gardening and traveling. He and his wife have visited all 48 contiguous states.In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Jacqueline Oldani Passant (Hans) of Spring Green, Wis., and Ann Marie Oldani Wolff (Michael) of State College; and four grandchildren, Sonja and Adam Passant and Anthony Joseph and Marina Wolff. He was predeceased by his parents.A Mass of Christian Burial and Committal for Ernest T. Oldani will be celebrated at St. Leo Catholic Church on Thursday at 10 a.m. Officiating will be Fr. Brian E. Vossler, pastor of St. Leo Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Leo Cemetery. Friends will be received at the Thompson Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Wake Service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Ridgway Fire Department or to St. Leo Church.